South Korea's Nuri Rocket Moves to Launchpad for Fourth Mission Amidst Weather Delay
South Korea's indigenous space rocket, Nuri (formally known as KSLV-II), has been successfully positioned on its launchpad at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla Province. This critical move occurred on Tuesday, two days ahead of its scheduled lift-off for its crucial fourth mission this week.
Preparations Underway Despite Minor Setback
The transportation process, managed by the Korea Aerospace Administration (KASA), experienced a slight delay of 1.5 hours in the morning due to adverse weather conditions. Despite this minor hiccup, the formidable 200-ton Nuri rocket was meticulously moved from its assembly building and erected upright on the launchpad by 1:36 p.m. KASA officials are now proceeding with the final stages of preparation, which include the critical injection of fuel and oxidizer.
Officials anticipate these operations will conclude by late afternoon, with contingency plans to continue work into the following day if necessary, ensuring the launch proceeds as planned. Nuri is still firmly on track for its early Thursday launch, marking a significant milestone in South Korea's space endeavors.
A New Era of Private Sector Involvement
This fourth launch is particularly notable as it's the first time Hanwha Aerospace Co. has taken full charge of the rocket's entire assembly process. This strategic move aligns with the government's long-term strategy to gradually transfer advanced space technologies and operational responsibilities to the private sector, fostering a robust domestic space industry and enhancing its capabilities.
Nuri's Journey So Far: A Brief History
The Nuri rocket has a compelling history of prior launches, showcasing a steady progression in South Korea's independent space exploration capabilities:
- Maiden Flight (October 2021): The initial launch encountered a setback, failing to place a 1.5-ton dummy satellite into orbit.
- Second Attempt (June 2022): This mission proved highly successful, flawlessly deploying both a Performance Verification Satellite (PVSAT) and another 1.3-ton dummy satellite into their designated orbits.
- Third Mission (May 2023): Further solidified Nuri's capabilities by successfully delivering a next-generation small satellite along with seven cube satellites into space.
This upcoming fourth launch is expected to further validate Nuri's reliability and advance South Korea's ambitions in independent space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what the nation can achieve in the cosmic arena.